With the help of an all-star lineup of bands, including The Dap-Kings, a popular jazz trio, and the talented Texas-born blues duo, the high school music club is doing just fine.
The students are all back, and their musical talents have been revived.
But it’s not just the kids who are back.
The entire district, including the principals, are being replaced.
“We’re going to have to do it on a volunteer basis,” said principal Mike Fagan.
“We’re having to recruit people from the community to help us out.”
“We’ve had to recruit a lot of our teachers,” said senior John McElroy, “because we don’t have enough people who are able to teach.”
That’s going to mean it’s going faster than it’s ever been,” he said.”
The teachers are being recruited because we don the school has enough teachers,” added senior Chris Hatton, “We just need a few more to fill up the classroom and staff space.
“There are a lot more people that we have to get,” he continued.
“The district is really looking for volunteers to fill the gap.
They are not hiring.”
McElroy said he and his students are taking some time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas break.
“I’m excited for the holidays,” he laughed.
“My students are excited.”
The students say they are grateful to have a place where they can gather and play music together.
“It’s a great feeling to have the band back, because we get to hang out and have fun,” said sophomore Jordan Williams.
“Everybody here has a band,” said freshman Michael Gulland.
“Everybody’s excited to get back.”